Title IX: Sex-Based Discrimination including Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and/or Related Retaliation

Maharishi International University is committed to preventing sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or misconduct, and related retaliation on campus. Please become familiar with the Title IX Policies and Reporting Procedures.

• The University’s policy (see Section 2) defines expectations for the institutions’ community members and provides procedures (see Section 5) that are in accordance with regulatory requirements and institutional values of restorative justice, consciousness, and leadership.
• Any and all violations are to be brought to the attention of the University immediately (see Section 4).
• The University’s policy on student pregnancy and related health conditions focuses on ensuring that all students are able to receive necessary accommodations and services necessary (see Section 3).

The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender identification and prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including admissions and employment. As sexual harassment, unwelcome sex-based conduct that creates a hostile environment, and sexual violence are types of sex-based discrimination, they also are not permissible.

The University’s policy prohibiting sex-based discrimination applies to everyone’s conduct—students, faculty, staff, contractors and volunteers — in all of the University’s education programs or activities.

• Discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, physiological sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation and/or gender identify.
• Sex-based harassment (sexual harassment) is a form of sex-based discrimination that is:
  • Hostile environment sexual harassment (must include all the following components):
  • Unwelcome;
  • Sex-based;
  • Subjectively and objectively offensive;
  • So severe or pervasive; and
  • That it results in a limitation of or denial of a persona’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University program or activity.
• Quid Prod Quo; or
• Specific Offenses such as domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking; or
• Pregnancy, parental, family or marital status.

Discrimination on the basis of sex is protected under Title IX when:

• Participating or attempting to participate in the University’s program or activity (an active student, employee/staff, faculty or volunteer),
• Occurred within the United States,
• Occurred on-campus (within the University’s owned and operated facilities or online learning platforms, see Clery Map);
• May include conduct off-campus or outside of a university program or activity if Title IX Coordinator and the Dean of Students or Dean of Faculty and deem behavior affects the University’s interest or mission, including health and safety of the community.

The University will act promptly to address each complaint and will work with all parties (equitably) to provide necessary supportive measures or accommodations, make decisions to effectively end any sex-based discrimination in its program or activity, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

Who can file a complaint

The following people have a right to make a complaint of sex-based discrimination, including complaints of sex-based harassment, requesting that the University investigate and make a determination about alleged discrimination under Title IX:

• A “complainant,” which includes:
  • a student or employee of the University who is alleged to have been subjected to conduct that could constitute sex discrimination under Title IX; or
  • a person other than a student or employee of the University who is alleged to have been subjected to conduct that could constitute sex discrimination under Title IX at a time when that individual was participating or attempting to participate in the University’s education program or activity;
• A parent, guardian, or other authorized legal representative with the legal right to act on behalf of a complainant;
• A faculty or staff member of the University who has learned of a potential complaint of sex discrimination; or
• The University’s Title IX Coordinator.

With respect to complaints of sex-based discrimination other than sex-based harassment, in addition to the people listed above, the following persons have a right to make a complaint:

• Any student or employee the University; or
• Any person other than a student or employee who was participating or attempting to participate in the University’s education program or activity at the time of the alleged sex discrimination.

The University will act promptly to address each complaint and will work with all parties (equitably) to provide necessary supportive measures or accommodations, make decisions to effectively end any sex-based discrimination in its program or activity, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

9 for IX — Title IX Concepts

Title IX protections ensure that federally funded academic institutions work to protect the rights and safety of all its students, employees/staff and faculty, including volunteers regardless of sex.

1. Maharishi International University is a place where we encourage conversation and dialogue about sexual assault prevention, education, and compassionate support. Breaking the culture of silence requires a willingness to engage the community and speak openly about these issues.
2. The University prohibits all forms of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment and misconduct on our campus. Read more about our Title IX Policies which contain specific definitions and prohibited conduct. MIU will act promptly to stop the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
3. The University prohibits all form of pregnancy and related health conditions discrimination in its educational programs and activities and provides supported measures as deemed necessary, including lactation support services. Read more about our Title IX Policies.
4. Consent consists of an affirmative, conscious decision by each participant to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. The person must act freely, voluntarily, and have knowledge of the act and who is involved. Consent must be present at every stage and can be withdrawn at any time. An individual who is incapacitated by alcohol or other drugs (including prescriptions) cannot give consent.
5. The University encourages all students to be active community members and take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent or interrupt an act of sex-based discrimination and/or sexual misconduct. Taking action may include direct intervention when safe to do so. Indirect intervention may include enlisting the assistance of friends, seeking assistance from a person in authority, or contacting law enforcement.
6. The University prohibits retaliation against any individual or group who makes a report, who is named in a report, or who participates in an investigation.
7. The University provides campus resources that are confidential. These include the Student Support Services and Integrative Wellness Center Staff. There are also confidential resources in the community. Please see below for a complete list of campus and community resources.
8. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex-based discrimination or sexual harassment or make a complaint under Title IX please notify the University. The Title IX Coordinator can be contacted in person, by electronic mail, or by phone directly or by filling out an Incident Reporting Form. All such complaints or incidents should be reported immediately either anonymously or not. However, there is no time limit for reporting. MIU will respect the privacy of all individuals in responding to a report. The University encourages — but does not require — all students to make a report to local law enforcement and seek medical treatment.
9. When a report is made, under most circumstances, the complainant maintains agency and autonomy in choosing how to proceed. Procedural options following a report include informal, remedies-based resolutions and formal and sanctions-based resolutions. The University will balance an individual’s expressed preferences with its obligation to keep the campus safe. Read more about Reporting and Procedures. The University will support any individual who is affected by sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment or misconduct, regardless of whether or not disciplinary action is sought. There are many accommodations available to a student, including no-contact orders, academic accommodations, and residence modifications.

Support resources

Title IX Coordinator

Katie Snyder
Gate Ridge Court, Room 116
P: 641-233-5947
E: ksnyder@miu.edu

Dean of Students

Maggie Ventsias
112 Dreier Building
P: 641-472-1190
E: mventsias@miu.edu

Dean of Faculty

Vicki Alexander Herriott
Dreier, Room 233
641-472-1113
valexander@miu.edu

Vice-President of Human Resources

Carol Passos
Dreier, Room 231
641-472-7000 x4826
cpassos@miu.edu

Title IX resources

Any Emergency (24 hrs) 911

Fairfield Police

(24 hrs) 641-472-4146

Campus security

Around campus, 641-472-1115 (24 hrs)
RLC on call
Campus security officer

Personal support services

(Confidential)
Clint Cunningham, LBSW
ccunningham@miu.edu
Clint is available for same-day sessions if you email him by 2:00 pm CST.

Campus nurse

Integrative Wellness Center (North Peace Palace building)
nurse@miu.edu, 641-472-7000 x3406 or x3411

MIU website

MIU Sexual Respect web page

National Sexual Assault Hotline

800-656-HOPE (4673) Confidential

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-SAFE

Jefferson County Health Center

(24 hrs) 641-472-4111 Confidential

Crisis Intervention Services

(24 hrs) 800-270-1620 Confidential

Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

Region V Office
500 W. Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the University’s sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment policy and procedures. Please contact the Title IX Coordinator if you have any additional questions or need assistance.

• What should I do if I believe I have been sexual assaulted?
Please see the following University guide Rights, Options and Resources—A Guide for Those Impacted by Sexual and Relationship Violence
• Does information about a complaint remain private?
The privacy of all parties to a complaint of sexual misconduct will be respected by the University, except insofar as it interferes with the University’s obligation to fully investigate allegations of sexual misconduct. Where privacy is not strictly kept, it will still be tightly controlled on a need-to-know basis. Dissemination of information and/or written materials to persons not involved in the complaint procedure is not permitted. Violations of the privacy of the complainant or the accused individual may lead to action by the University.In all complaints of sexual violence, all parties will be informed of the outcome. If legally required, a timely warning will be issued in order to prevent further occurrences of the crime, without using the name or identifiable information of the alleged complainant. Certain administrators are informed of the outcome within the bounds of student privacy (e.g., the President of the University, Deans of Students, Director of Campus Security and Safety). The institution also must statistically report the occurrence on campus of major violent crimes, including certain sex offenses, in an annual report of campus crime statistics. This statistical report does not include personally identifiable information.
• Will my parents be told?
Generally, no – unless you tell them. Whether you are the complainant or the accused individual, the University’s primary relationship is with the student and not to the parent. However, in the event of major medical, disciplinary, or academic jeopardy, students are strongly encouraged to inform their parents. University officials will directly inform parents when requested to do so by a student, or in a life-threatening situation, or if an accused individual has signed the permission form at registration that allows such communication.
• Will the accused individual know my identity?
Yes, if you file a formal complaint. Sexual misconduct is a serious offense, and the accused individual has the right to know the identity of the complainant/alleged complainant. You are protected against any and all retaliation.
• Do I have to name the perpetrator?
Yes, if you want formal disciplinary action to be taken against the alleged perpetrator. No, if you choose to respond informally and do not file a formal complaint. Complainants should be aware that not identifying the perpetrator may limit the institution’s ability to respond comprehensively and protect others. If you do not know the identity of the alleged perpetrator and request the University to pursue a formal investigation, we will comply with your request, the investigation may reveal the name of the alleged perpetrator, at which point he would be formally notified that a complaint has been filed.
• What do I do if I am accused of sexual misconduct?
DO NOT contact the complainant. You may immediately want to contact someone in the campus community who can act as your Advisor. You may also contact the or the Department of Student Life, which can explain the University’s procedures for addressing sexual misconduct complaints. You may also want to talk to a confidential counselor or seek other community assistance.
• Will I have to pay for counseling/or medical care?
Not typically, for university provided services. In addition, the University may assist students by providing financial support for up five counseling sessions with a licensed professional if it deems it reasonable. Beyond that, if a student is accessing community and non-institutional services, payment for these will be subject to state/local laws, insurance requirements, etc.
• What about legal advice?
Either party may retain counsel at their own expense if they determine that they need legal advice about criminal prosecution and/or the campus conduct proceeding. Additionally, parties may bring an Advisor to a campus meeting. The Advisor can be an attorney, however, the role of that person will not be to advocate for a party as they would in court, or even be directly involved in the proceedings, but rather, to support the person in understanding the University’s process, including and procedures or help the person they are supporting clarify questions and concerns. A support person that violates this role can be removed by the University.
• What about changing residence?
If you want to move, you may request a room change. Room changes under these circumstances are considered emergencies. It is typically institutional policy that in emergency room changes, the student is moved to the first available suitable room. No contact orders can be imposed, and room changes can usually be arranged quickly.
• What about other supportive measures?
The University’s Title IX Coordinator will provide supportive measures, or accommodations, at any time, including before, during, and after an investigation, or even without an investigation. Accommodations are defined as non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services, offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to either party. Reasonably available supportive measures do not require a finding of responsibility. To the extent possible they will be provided as discreetly as possible, though details may be shared on a need-to-know basis.
One of the main purposes for accommodations is to restore or preserve a party’s access to the University’s programs in reasonable comfort. Accommodations may not unreasonably burden either other party and are designed to protect the safety of all parties as well as the University as a whole. In addition to relocation, available accommodations might include:
• Assistance from college support staff in completing the relocation;
• Arranging to organize room changes;
• Assistance with or rescheduling an academic assignment (paper, exams, etc.);
• Taking an incomplete (if available) in a class;
• Assistance with transferring class sections;
• Temporary withdrawal;
• Assistance with alternative course completion options;
• Provision of a reciprocal no contact directive with another party;
• Counseling;
• Other accommodations for safety as necessary.
• What should I do about preserving evidence of a sexual assault?
The preservation of evidence of sexual assault including not only rape but dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking is important for both criminal prosecutions as well as the issuance of protective orders. Police are in the best position to secure evidence of a crime. Physical evidence of a criminal sexual assault or rape must be collected from the alleged complainant’s person within 120 hours, though evidence can often be obtained from towels, sheets, clothes, etc. for much longer periods of time. If you believe you have been subjected to a criminal sexual assault, you should go to the local hospital Emergency Room, before washing yourself or your clothing. A campus security officer or someone through the Department of Student Life can also accompany you to the hospital and law enforcement or Student Life staff can provide transportation. If a complainant goes to the hospital, local police will be called, but s/he is not obligated to talk to the police or to pursue prosecution. Having the evidence collected in this manner will help to keep all options available to a complainant but will not obligate him or her to any course of action. Collecting evidence can assist the authorities in pursuing criminal charges, should the complainant decide later.

For the complainant: the hospital staff will collect evidence, check for injuries, address pregnancy concerns and address the possibility of exposure to sexually transmitted infections. If you have changed clothing since the assault, bring the clothing you had on at the time of the assault with you to the hospital in a clean, sanitary container such as a clean paper grocery bag or wrapped in a clean sheet (plastic containers do not breathe, and may render evidence useless). If you have not changed clothes, bring a change of clothes with you to the hospital, if possible, as they will likely keep the clothes you are wearing as evidence. You can take a support person with you to the hospital, and they can accompany you through the examination if you want. Do not disturb the crime scene: leave all sheets, towels, etc. that may bear evidence for the police to collect.

• Will a person be sanctioned when reporting a sexual violence policy violation if he/she has illegally used drugs or alcohol?
Almost always, no. While the severity of the infraction may determine the nature of the University’s response, whenever possible the University will respond educationally rather than punitively. The seriousness of sexual misconduct is a major concern, and the University does not want any of the circumstances (e.g., drug or alcohol use) to inhibit the reporting of sexual misconduct.
• Will either party’s prior use of drugs and/or alcohol be a factor when reporting sexual misconduct?
Not unless there is a compelling reason to believe that prior use or abuse is relevant to the present complaint.
• What should I do if I am uncertain about what happened?
If you believe that you have experienced sexual violence but are unsure of whether it was a violation of the institution’s policy, you should contact the Department of Student Life who can help you to define and clarify the event(s) and advise you of your options.
• Where can I get information regarding registered sex offenders?
Information on registered sex offenders in Iowa, including the town of Fairfield, can be obtained online at:
• city-data.com/so/Iowa.html
• iowasexoffender.gov